/^ 



Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/belgianchildrenoOObrow 



"The 'Belgian Children 

and Other T'oems 



The 'Belgian Qhildren 



and Other T'oems 



By 
FRANCES DeRUSH BROWN 



Published by the Author 






Copyrightedy IQIQ, by 
FRANCES DeRUSH BROWN 



APf; 'c3 1919 

©CIA515419 



^\ 



Dedicated to 
the Dear Memory of 

Mr FATHER AND MOTHER 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Belgian Children 9 

Old Glory 11 

Hope . . '. 12 

Our Star Spangled Banner 13 

Uncle Sam 14 

Over There 16 

Dawn 18 

Peace . 19 

Our Heroes 20 

Beautiful City of Light 21 

This Earth 23 

To France 25 

A Vision .......... 27 

Bright Shming Star . . 29 

The Fields of Light 30 

The Sunlit Path 31 

Only a Tramp 32 

Kaiser Bill 33 

In the Dawning ..." 35 

The Man of Galilee .36 

A Summer Day 38 



8 CONTENTS 



Spring Time : 39 

Easter Lilies 40 

The Old Apple Tree 42 

The Babe of Bethlehem 44 

Santa Claus 46 

The Fairies 48 

The Man in the Moon 50 

Sweet Clover Blossoms 52 

Life 54 

Beautiful Roses 56 

Deeds of Kindness 57 

Stars in Your Crown 59 

The God of Love 60 

France 62 

A Berrying Party . 64 

The Submarine 67 

Night 69 

The Red Cross 70 



Z\)c Belgian Cbilbren 

Do you hear the cry of the children, — 

The children over the sea, 
Starving Belgian children, crying to be fed. 

Pleading — praying — crying, that you give them 
bread? 

This cry comes to America, 

With its millions and millions of gold. 
From these starving Belgian children, 

Dying of hunger and cold. 

These little helpless children, 

God sent them from above. 
Not to die of neglect and starvation. 

But to fill this old world with love. 

Then heed the cry of the children; 

Give of your silver and gold; 
Keep them from starving and dying; 

Keep them from hunger and cold. 

9 



10 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 

At last, when life's journey is over, 
And upward you take your flight, 

God will say to you if you are faithful and true, 
I give you this crown of light. 

This crown of light, with stars so bright. 
Is worth more than millions of gold, 

God gives it to all who are faithful and true 
In service — kindness and love. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 11 



©It) 6Ior? 

Old Glory is waving in that land over the sea, 

Where our soldier boys are fighting for humanity. 

It cheers and gives them courage, 

When in battle they see 

This emblem of freedom, this flag of the free. 

Old Glory, with your colors of red, white, and blue, 

To your stars and stripes 

Our soldier boys are loyal and true. 

Their pride is Old Glory wherever they see 

This flag of their country — this flag of the free. 

Then let Old Glory wave 

O'er our soldier boys so brave. 

Who are fighting in that land over the sea; 

Their lives they willing give 

That all nations may live, in peace and liberty* 



12 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



Ibope 

Hope — for I see in the future 

The dawn of a better day, 
When from this earth forever 

Sorrow and trouble have passed away. 

Hope — and the way grows brighter, 

Bright as the stars above. 
Hope fills the heart with gladness, 

Hope fills the heart with love. 

Hope in God's promise ever. 
All he has promised he will do. 

God is our hope, and will lead us 
All our journey through. 

Hope for that glad to-morrow 
When wars forever are past; 

Hope for that peace that is dawning, 
A peace that forever shall last. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 13 



®ur Star Spancjlcb Banner 

Unfurl our Star Spangled Banner, 
Let it wave o'er this land of the free, — 

This emblem of liberty and freedom. 
Protection for you and for me. 

Our beautiful Star Spangled Banner, 

With colors red, white and blue, 
All who live under its protection 

Should ever, to our country, prove loyal and true, 

I see Uncle Sam in the future. 

Waving this flag we all love 
Over the warring nations. 

In peace and brotherly love. 

Three cheers for our Star Spangled Banner, 
And three for our brave boys loyal and true. 

Three cheers for America and freedom 
Forever — the red, white, and blue! 



14 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



'inncle Sam 

Uncle Sam is democratic 

And he says very emphatic, 

I don't like that Hohenzollern rule, — 

This tyranny and oppression 

Of the weak to gain possession 

Of everything in sight. 

Uncle Sam is sending over there, 

All the soldiers he can spare, 

And these soldier boys are glad to take their chance 

With the submarines at sea. 

If only they can free 

The people from this Hohenzollern rule. 

Danger and trials they must bear 

And with their Allies share 

This fight for democratic rule. 

Crush tyranny and oppression 

And that knave who wants possession 

Of the world and everything in sight. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 15 

Our soldier boys have crossed the sea 

To fight for democracy; 

Autocracy must be banished from this earth; 

They are battUng for the right 

And are sure to win the fight 

For freedom and democracy. 



16 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



©ver ^bere 

Our soldier boys are fighting over there — 
Loyal, brave soldier boys they are; 
They are in this fight to win, 
With bombs and guns they are 
Driving the Huns to Berlin. 

The Huns were told the American 

Soldier could not fight. 

Our soldier boys have proved this statement untrue. 

Until this war is over every 

American soldier in sight 

Will fill every Hun with terror and fright over there. 

To that Army of Huns over the sea 

There is no one as great as Kaiser Bill of Germany, 

For murderous work well done by this army of Huns 

The Kaiser gives a little Iron Cross, 

And these loyal Huns keep fighting on. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 17 

To the allied armies it must be 

A pleasing sight to see 

The Huns filled with terror and fright 

From the bombs and guns of our soldier boys, 

The Huns on their homeward hike. 

Our soldier boys are over there to stay 
Until the world is safe for democracy; 
They are going to Berlin, 
And the stars and stripes with colors bright 
Will wave from the Imperial Palace in Berlin. 



18 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



2)awn 

Dawn — 

Draws the veil of darkness, 
Every living thing awakes 
To — a new day with the 
Coming of the dawn. 

Dawn — 

The birds in their nests 

Awake, preen their wings ready for flight, 

With the coming of the dawn. 

Dawn — 

And the sleeping flowers awake. 
Lifting their pretty heads 
Up for the drops of dew 
That sparkle in the early dawn. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 19 



peace 

With whistles blowing — bells ringing, 
Mingled with joyful voices crying Peace! Peace! 
Everyone thrilled with joy and gladness, 
For they knew the war was over, over there. 

The peace we had hoped for. 
The peace we had prayed for 
Came with the dawning of the day — 
This cry echoed through all the world, 
Peace on earth, the war is over. 
Peace for all mankind! 

Peace for all the nations of the earth. 

What joyful news it must be 

To the nations ruled by might and power. 

In that land over the sea. 

To know that the war is over. 

That militarism and terror 

Never more shall reign! 

Peace on earth, the war is over. 

Peace and liberty for all mankind! 



20 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



®ur Tberoes 

Scatter flowers, beautiful flowers 
Over the graves of our heroes. 
Every one was loyal and true, 
Dying for humanity. 
Heroes brave and true. 

Scatter roses, lilies and violets. 
Blossoms of every color and hue; 
Weave them into garlands 
For the graves of our heroes, — 
Heroes loyal and true. 

Mothers gave in sorrow and tears 

These heroes to the country they love. 

They know they will meet their loved ones again 

In that beautiful home above. 

Scatter garlands of fragrant blossoms over their graves, 
This is all that we can do, 
And keep in memory as long as life shall last 
These heroes who died for you. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 21 



Beautiful Cit^ of Xigbt 

I dreamed of that beautiful city, 
That city of beauty and Ught 
Where darkness never enters its portals, 
The radiance of God is the light. 

I wandered through the streets of the city. 
Through an ever changing scene 
Of beautiful homes where God's children dwell 
In that beautiful city of light. 

Through beautiful parks with crystal fountains. 

Where cooling waters flow, 

Trees laden with fragrant blossoms 

Seemed everywhere to grow, 

Birds among these blossoms, a joyous happy throng, 

Were merrily singing their joyful happy songs. 

On and on I wandered. 

Filled with pleasure and delight, 



22 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 

As I gazed on gardens of lovely flowers 
With colors glowing bright. 
On and on I wandered in 
That beautiful city of light. 

All God's children looked so happy, 
Their faces beamed with light; 
All sorrow and trouble had passed away, 
When they entered that city of light. 

I dreamed of that beautiful city, 
That city of beauty and light 
Where darkness never enters its portals ^ 
The radiance of God is the light. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 23 



^be leartb 

God created this earth for his children, 
All this vastness and grandeur sublime; 
God's love and care for his children on earth 
Will last throughout all time. 

This earth with its grand stately forests, 
Its high towering mountains and hills. 
Meadows green with beautiful wild flowers, 
The cattle upon a thousand hills. 

Earth with its beautiful valleys, 
With brooks and streams sparkling bright. 
Winding in and out through the valleys. 
Like a stream of silver light. 

Earth with its seas and vast oceans. 

Where the billows unceasingly roll. 

The moon and stars light the deep. 

When night shadows fall over the ocean deep, 



24 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 

God created this beautiful earth for his children, 

God's love is the same as in ages past; 

His thoughtful care for their 

Happiness and comfort forever and ever will last. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 25 



^0 ITrance 

To France our soldier boys are going, 

They are going over the sea to help 

France in her struggle for freedom and liberty. 

Liberty and freedom for all Nations! 

Their battle cry will be as they 

Wave our starry banner, the emblem of the free. 

To France, the France that gave freedom to America. 

That Nation over the sea sent 

Her brave and loyal soldiers 

To help America in her struggle for freedom and liberty. 

To France, the birthplace of 

The man all Americans honor and love — 

The man no American will ever forget. 

Who gave his service in a spirit 

Of brotherly love for freedom's cause, — General Lafayette. 



26 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 

To France our soldier boys are going, 
Millions brave and strong — 
To help in that awful conflict, 
To crush the murderous Huns. 

To France! to France! all hear the cry. 

As it echoes through our land. 

To France to fight for humanity until victory is won! 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 27 



H lD(0ion 

Through the cloud-kissed smoke of battle 

I see a vision bright, — 
Germany defeated, 

Nevermore to fight. 

The Kaiser and autocracy from this earth 

Will pass away. 
Through the cloud and smoke of battle 

Dawns a bright and better day. 

Nevermore shall kings or tyrants rule. 

All nations shall be free 
To dwell in freedom on this earth 

In peace and liberty. 

Nevermore to part from loved ones; 

When this cruel war is o'er 
Peace, and Joy, and Gladness shall 

Reign forevermore. 



28 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 

With war forever banished from this earth 

I hear this glad refrain, 
Peace on Earth, Good Will to Man, 

God, and only God shall reign! 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 29 



Briobt SbinitiQ Star 

stars, stars, bright shining stars, 

Stars of beauty and light 
Shining down from the Heaven above. 

Beautiful stars of night. 

Filling the earth with brightness. 

Filling our hearts with love 
For God's loving care for us 

In giving this light from above. 

Beautiful stars of night. 

Like diamonds in the sky. 
They glimmer and glitter, glowing with light, 

Filling the earth with beauty at night. 

God's lamps are ever burning 
Through the long and silent night. 

Filling our hearts with gladness. 
Cheering us with their light. 



30 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



TL\)C 3fielt)0 ot XiGbt 

up in the fields of light 

The Good Shepherd his loving watch keeps 
Over all the earth, 

Watching his sheep. 

Some have gone astray, 

Far, far, they roam, 
Out from the shepherd's care. 

Far, far, they roam. 

The Good Shepherd's love and care for his sheep 

Will last throughout all time. 
As he patiently seeks the one gone astray 

Out from the Ninety and Nine. 

Out from this field of light. 
The Good Shepherd is watching you. 

Strive then to be — what he wants you to be — 
Faithful, kindly, and true. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 31 



^be Sunlit patb 

The sunlit path is God-given 
To all who trust in his love. 
It leads to that beautiful City, 
To that City of light above. 

We dream of that beautiful City, 

A glimpse of its beauty we see. 

And we know when our work on earth is ended 

In that City of Light we shall live. 

Then while on this earth scatter sunshine, 
Scatter it as you go. 

Kind words and deeds this old world needs. 
Scatter sunshine as you go. 

The sunlit path will grow brighter. 
Brighter as onward you go. 
Courage and faith in God's goodness and love 
Will lead you at last to that City above. 



32 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



®nli5 ^ ^ramp 

Only a tramp — out in the cold 
Weary, hungry, and worn. 
Tramping about from town to town 
Homeless and all alone. 
Only a tramp? Yet, back in the past 
He had a mother and home. 

Only a tramp, don't pass him with scorn. 
Temptation came his way. 

If you've never been tempted, don't censure the tramp, 
Temptation may come some day. 

Only a tramp — yet somewhere, 

Either on earth or in heaven, 

A fond mother waits for her wandering boy. 

With a love that will never die 

Either on earth or in heaven. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 33 



Ikaiser Bill 

Kaiser Bill said to his army of Knaves, 
I now see a very good chance 
To capture and rule England and France. 
Then over the sea to the land of the free, 
Where there's millions and millions of gold, 
So frightened America will be 
When the German army they see. 
They will give up their millions of gold. 

This army of Knaves all ready to fight 
Started out without further delay. 
Poor Little Belgium, right in their 
Path, they destroyed and murdered 
Women and children on their way. 
Then onward they marched to France, 
This murderous army of Knaves, 
No thought of defeat or of retreat 
Entered their poor weak minds. 



34 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 

Brave Joffre at the Mame, with his 

Brave soldier boys, was awaiting this army of Knaves, 

When a shout rang out from his 

Soldier boys that echoed like a blast: 

Never! no, never! the German army shall not pass. 

The name of Joffre will echo down through the ages, 

And in. memory forever will last. 

These soldier boys so loyal and brave 

The German army could not pass. 

Kaiser Bill stood back from the firing line, 

With a mien like the Knaves of old. 

Awaiting his chance to enter France 

And help himself to their gold. 

A cry rang out from his army of Knaves — 

Not of victory but defeat. 

Kaiser Bill, surprised but very wise. 

Beat a hasty retreat. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 35 



Ifn tbe Bawning 

In the dawning of that morning 
When the mist has cleared away 
I shall see beyond that glory — 
Glory of eternal day. 

In the dawning of that morning 
When I see my Savior's face 
I shall see the King of Glory, 
I shall see him face to face. 

In the dawning of that morning 
All my dear ones I shall see, 
For I know that they are waiting, 
Waiting there to welcome me. 

In the dawning of that morning. 
When I reach that other shore. 
Oh, what peace, what joy, and gladness! 
All life's trials now are o'er. 



36 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



^be fiDan of (Balilee 

In fancy I see the man of Galilee, 

As he walked and talked with his disciples 

In that land beyond the sea. 

In his kindly face I see his love for all humanity, 

This perfect man — this man of Galilee. 

This man of Galilee no mortal now can see, 

But if you listen you will hear his voice, 

And he will say to you: There is work for you to do, 

Take up your cross and follow me. 

This world is full of care — full of sorrow and despair, 
Help your brother bear his burdens along the way. 
Be helpful, kind, and true, this is work that you can do; 
Take up your cross and follow me. 

Though the way be long and drear. 
Fill your heart with song and cheer. 
This will help the sorrowing ones along the way. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 37 

Keep the straight and narrow way, 
Never from this pathway stray, 
Take up your cross and follow me. 

Though your cross be hard to bear, 

I with you your cross will share, 

I will help you bear your cross along the way. 

At last, beyond the stars you'll see 

And in Heaven you will be. 

To live through all Eternity. 

In fancy I see the man of Galilee, 

As he climbed the hill to Calvary. 

He was perfect — he was sinless, 

Yet he had a cross to bear. 

He died upon the cross that you a crown may wear. 



38 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



H Summer 2)ai? 

strolling through the wildwood on a summer day, 
Flowers and tangled wildwood all along the way, 
Wild birds sweetly singing in the trees above, 
Thrills of joyous gladness fill their little throats 
As they warble their joyous happy notes. 
Strolling through the wildwood, oh, what joy it gives, 
To stroll through the wildwood, on a day like this. 
Modest little violets strewn along the way 
Fill my heart with gladness on this glorious summer 
day. 

Strolling through the wildwood, oh, what joy to see 

The shimmering, gleaming little brooks. 

With their silver glow 

All along the wildw^ood, as on and on I go. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 39 



Spring TLimc 

After the cold of winter 
With joy we welcome the spring; 
It brings new hope and gladness 
To every living thing. 

Joyous happy springtime, 
It fills our hearts with cheer 
To see the buds and flowers 
In the springtime of the year. 
Buds bursting forth in beauty, 
In colors glowing bright. 
After the snow of winter 
Fills us with delight. 

And the happy little birds. 
Merrily they sing 
For the warmth and sunshine. 
Joy to them it brings. 
Up among the apple trees. 
With blossoms sweet and fair. 
These happy little songsters live 
In this fragrance-laden air. 



40 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



jEaster Xiliee 

On that first Easter dawn 

Jesus' disciples came early to 

The tomb — to mourn and pray. 

Lo! behold an empty tomb. 

Death forever had passed away, 

Life had triumphed over death, 

Christ had risen with the dav/ning of the day. 

In the early morning light 
White-winged angels rolled the stone away 
And placed within the empty 
Tomb lilies pure and white. 

So pure, so white and spotless. 
And within each perfumed cup 
They found — a crown of gold. 
Each lily pointed in the air 
As if to tell His disciples that 
He had risen there. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 41 

On every Easter morning as long 

As life shall last, fragrant 

Easter lilies will remind us of the past, 

Of Christ the risen Savior, 

Who on that first Easter dawn, 

Brought hope of life eternal to all mankind. 

Fragrant Easter lilies, white-winged 

Angels brought them down to fill 

All hearts with gladness on that first Easter dawn, 

And placed within each 

Perfumed cup a golden crown. 



42 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



^be ®l& Hpple TLvcc 

In memory I go back to my childhood, 

Back where I once did play, 
Back to the green fields and daisies. 

Back where I once did stray. 

I see in the distance the orchard. 

The stream with its shimmer and gleam. 

The sunshine, the birds, and wild flowers. 
The meadow with its carpet of green. 

On this stream, with its clear rippling water, 

A boat and a small girl I see, 
Paddling over the water. 

To swing in the old apple tree. 

I see the wide-spreading branches. 

With apples all red from the sun's golden glow, 
The swing swaying the branches 
And sending the apples below. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 43 

In memory my childhood days 

Are very dear to me, 
My joyous happy childhood, 

The swing, and the old apple tree. 

Could I have but one wish in this world fulfilled, 

I am very sure it would be. 
That I might go back to my childhood. 

And swing in the old apple tree. 



44 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



ITbe Babe ot Betblebem 

In far-off Bethlehem on a Christmas mom, 

In a lowly manger a little babe was bom. 

A little babe of promise 

God sent from his home above 

To make this old world better 

And fill all hearts with love. 

This little babe of Bethlehem 

That the wise men from afar 

Was guided to this lowly manger 

By a bright and shining star. 

A star of wondrous beauty — a star of shining light — 

Guided these wise men through the long and silent night. 

These wise men from that far-off land 
Brought presents for this babe, 
And knelt beside this lowly manger, 
Where this babe of promise lay, 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 45 

And they bowed their heads in worship 
And their hearts were filled with cheer, 
For they knew that in this presence 
God was very near. 

In fancy I see his gentle mother 
Bending o'er this manger bed, 
While a radiance like the sunlight 
Shines around this baby's head 
As she sings a low sweet lullaby 
O'er this baby's manger bed. 

On every Christmas morning as long as time shall last, 
This little babe of Bethlehem will live from out the past. 
This little babe of promise 
God sent from his home above 
To make this old world better, 
And fill all hearts with love. 



46 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



Santa Claus 

Santa Claus comes once a year, 

He comes in the night, softly, silently comes, 

With his reindeer and sleigh-load of toys 

When little folks are abed and asleep, 

Santa Claus comes with his sleigh-load of toys. 

Little brown eyes and little blue eyes 

Try to keep awake on Christmas eve. 

For Santa they would like to see; 

But the sand-man comes, with his magic wand, 

Santa Claus finds every child asleep when he arrives 

With his reindeer and sleigh-load of toys. 

There are bugles and drums in his 
Sleigh-load of toys — sleds, skates and 
Dolls by the score and goodies 
Of all kinds for Christmas day 
For each good little boy and girl. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 47 

Silently he mounts to the chminey-top 

And silently drops to the floor; 

He fills each little stocking he 

Finds hanging up until it will hold no more. 

Then up the chimney he goes as 

Noiselessly as he came down, 

He jumps to his seat in the sleigh 

And hurriedly rides away, 

For Santa Claus has much work 

To do before the morning dawns. 

Over all the world he rides every Christmas eve, 

With his reindeer and sleigh-load of toys. 



48 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



Every child dreams of fairy-land, 

Where fairies romp and play. 
In dreams children see the fairies, 

With the dawn they fade away. 
Fairies live in dream-land 

All through childhood days. 

At night, when children are abed and asleep, 
And the moon and stars shine bright. 

Out from their hiding-places come 
These little fairies at night. 

Fairies roam at night in fields of green. 
Among wild flowers with blossoms bright. 

These little fairies of childhood dreams 
Vanish in the morning light. 

No one knows where the fairies live. 
In dreams fairies never tell. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 49 

Children believe fairy-land 
Is near sparkling streams 
And in beautiful shady dells. 

Childhood days pass and 

Fairy-land with the fairies fades away, 
But in memory forever will live 
These merry little elf s of childhood dreams, — 

The fairies of childhood days. 



50 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



TL\)c fiDan in tbe fiDoon 

Beautiful moon in the Heaven so high 
With your moonbeams of shimmering light, 
When shadows of darkness cover the earth 
Shining in splendor and light. 

Moon, moon, bright shining moon. 
As I gaze at your beauty on high. 
In memory I go back to my childhood 
And to the man in the moon in the sky. 

I was told a man lived in the moon 
And this beautiful light on high 
Was a light from a lamp kept burning 
By the man in the moon in the sky. 

On moonlight nights in my childhood days 
I would look for the man in the moon. 
At times I imagined I could see this man, 
This man with his bright shining light. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 51 

No fairy tale of my childhood days 
Ever seemed as wonderful to me 
As the man in the moon 
With his bright shining light, 
The man in the moon in the sky. 

Childhood days have passed, 

But the man in the moon 

In memory forever will last. 

The man in the moon with his bright shining light, 

The man in the moon in the sky. 



52 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



Sweet Clover Blo0som0 

Sweet clover blossoms, 

That the summertime grows, 

In the green grassy meadows, 

Through the sunshmy days, 

Fillmg the meadows with their bloom 

And the air with sweet perfume. 

O, what joy for me in my childhood days. 
To roam through the meadows green. 
Among pink and white clover blossoms bright 
That everywhere in the meadows bloomed. 

Sweet clover blossoms 

And sunshine days. 

Meadows green, where clover blossoms grow. 

In the morning light clover blossoms bright 

Glisten with drops of dew. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 53 

Whenever I see clover blossoms 

I thrill with pleasure and delight. 

My childhood comes back 

And I roam again through meadows green 

Among sweet clover blossoms bright. 



54 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



Xife 

God is life and the source of all life. 

Scientists hope to solve the mystery of life, 

But up to the present time 

Are no nearer than in ages past; 

We only know that God is life. 

Life, with its joy and pleasure. 
Life, with its sorrow and care. 
To be alive is to be happy or unhappy; 
You may travel this wide world over. 
You will find this is true everywhere. 

In this life every human being strives for happiness, 
Happiness is the song of hope. 
Hope cheers those who are weary. 
In the belief in a fairer to-morrow 
That may dawn bright and beautiful. 

God is wise not to place our 
Whole future before us at once; 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 55 

Never allow yourself to become 
Discouraged with the disappointments of life. 
Life's trials will not last forever, 
Somewhere the sun will shine through. 

Study life, utilize to the full every 

Gift with which God endowed you. 

Life is a mystery unfathomable as the deep; 

We live, we die, and the soul 

Takes its flight to that realm beyond the sky. 



56 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



Beautiful iRoaes 

Roses, beautiful roses, 

Roses so sweet, so fair. 
Filling the earth with beauty. 

And with fragrance the air. 

Roses, beautiful roses. 

With colors so lovely and bright, — 
Beautiful, fragrant roses. 

That fill all hearts with delight. 

Roses, beautiful roses. 

Your mission is to cheer 
The lonely and sad, making each heart glad 

That the roses and sunshine are here. 

Roses, beautiful roses. 

When I go to that land over there, 
I know I shall find the roses. 

Blooming everywhere. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 57 



2)eet)s of 1kin&ne00 

Scatter deeds of kindness all along your way 

That will blossom into beauty for others on their way. 

Don't wait until to-morrow, 

Scatter deeds of kindness every day. 

Heads are bowed with heavy burdens all along your way, 
Hearts are breaking with grief and sorrow every day. 
Help with kindly word or deed whenever there is need, 
Scatter deeds of kindness every day. 

The poor, oppressed, and lowly 

You will find along your way. 

Life for them means just existence as they go their 

lonely way, 
Little deeds of kindness will bring brightness on their 

way, 
Scatter deeds of kindness every day. 

These deeds of kindness scattered all along your way 
In helpfulness to others will come back to you some 
day; 



58 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 

These little deeds of kindness, 
These little words of cheer, 
Given to the poor and lowly 
To make their life less drear. 

Then scatter deeds of kindness 

All along your way. 

It will make your own life brighter 

If you scatter deeds of kindness 

In the spirit of Him who said: 

" As you did it unto the least 

Of these you have done it unto me." 



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Stars in IPour Crown 

Will there be any stars in your crown 
When you reach that other shore, 
When your work on earth is o'er — 
Will there be any stars in your crown? 

Every bright shining star God gives 

Is for service and kindness here below. 

When you lay your burdens down and receive a crown, 

Will there be any stars in your crown? 

In his service be faithful and true, 
And God will be waiting for you 
In that land where all is bright. 
With a starry crown of light, 
God will be waiting for you. 



60 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



TLbc 6ot) of Xove 

I reject all preaching and teaching 

That is filled with a revengeful God — 

The God I love and worship is the God of love, 

The God of love is ever near, 
I hear his voice, I have no fear. 
In accents mild I hear him say, 
" I will lead you all the way." 

The God of love I cannot see 
But in everything his love I see. 
His life of love for all were given. 
That all may share the joy of Heaven. 

God opens wide the gates of Heaven 
That all may enter in. 
He says to the weak and sinful, 
"I will cleanse you from all sin." 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 61 

The God of love fills heaven and earth, 
His benefits for all are the same. 
God's love is everlasting 
And will last through eternity. 



62 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



Ifrance 

Through the awful carnage of war — 
France's heroic deeds of sacrifice 
Gleams glorious and bright, 
Illuminating the darkness with light. 

France's record of the past 

Is filled with deeds of kindly service free 

And in sacrifice sublime. 

From out that awful conflict 
France stands unconquered and free, 
Tragic in her glory, 
Triumphant in victory. 

France, we give thee the honor. 
The honor of all Americans to thee; 
For service and sacrifice for others. 
We give all the glory to thee. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 63 

France will arise victorious 
From the destruction and ruin of war, 
Waving her tricolored banner 
Over a land of peace and liberty. 

For France and all the nations of the earth 
The dawn is breaking bright; 
The dawn of everlasting peace 
Is shining clear and bright. 



64 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



I was invited to go berrying 

With a Doctor and his wife. Of all the 

Berrying parties I have ever enjoyed, this 

Was the one of my life. 

As soon as we had started, the rain 

Commenced to fall, and the road 

That led to that berry patch, none worse can I recall, 

Leaving the car by the roadside. 
We had to walk to the berry patch. 
We inquired the distance of a man 
We passed; he replied, " Only a half- 
Mile; it*s right up there, you see. 
We walked and we walked and walked; 
I believe it was fully three. 

The Doctor's wife wore khaki bloomers — 

Not much style about them; 

All right in a berry patch. 

Where the bushes grow wild and strong. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 65 



I believe they belonged to the 

Doctor they were so very wide and long. 

At last we reached the berry patch, 
A beautiful sight to see; the 
Woodland filled with berries 
As red, as red could be. We picked 
Berries, with the rain gently falling. 
Filled our pails and started for home, 
Down that half-mile road, with 
Mud so thick, anywhere in the 
Road we were likely to stick. 

The Doctor was joyous and happy. 

His pails with nice red berries were filled. 

He whistled a tune as he slid 

Along down a muddy hill. 

As we reached the car he said, ** Now we'll soon be 

home." 
He tried to start it going, — it wouldn't budge an inch. 
He worked — and he talked — and 
Talked, but I shall never tell 
The words he used or the way 
He talked to that automobile. 



66 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 

Just then a farmer appeared 

On the scene, with a face that beamed with light. 

I could see by the look he gave 

The car he could see a job in sight. 

The Doctor asked, ** Have you horses? " 

'* I have,'' came the prompt reply. 

'* Then hitch them up and haul 

This car up that mountain high.'' 

The farmer started off for his horses, 

With a face that beamed with delight. 

While the Doctor kept on working 

With all his strength and might. 

At last, results. The Doctor springs 

To his seat in the car just as the farmer 

With his horses came in sight. 

He waved his hand to the farmer man and shouted 

** I don't need your horses, my car is all right." 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 67 



^be Submarine 

Oh, Jonah, if you only could awake from your slumber 

and see 
Our modern submarine, 
Envious you would be. 
To think that while you were on earth. 
No submarine had we. 
Only a great big fish to ride in. 
Under the sea. 

In ancient history you are great. 

For it's very plain to see 

You have the distinction of being the only man 

In ancient times to ride under the sea. 

And since you ride in that great big fish. 
No fish has ever been seen 
That could compare in any way 
With our modern submarine. 



68 THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 



It Speeds out o'er the ocean, 
Dives like a fish when seen. 
For murdering and destruction, 
We have the submarine. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 69 



miabt 

When the sun smks to rest in the golden west, 
And shadows of darkness cover earth's light, 
All is darkness, the darkness of night. 

All is darkness until out from the sky 
There gleams a light of beauty bright — 
The moon with its bright shining rays. 

Then one by one the stars gleam bright. 
Stars of beauty, stars of light — 
Out from the darkness of the night 
Shine these beautiful stars of light. 

One by one the stars disappear. 
And the moon rays grow dim. 
The shadows of night grow lighter. 
In the east the sky grows brighter. 
And we greet the morning light. 



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TLl)C IRet) Cro00 

Red Cross workers give their service 
In answer to the call 
Of the poor, the ill, and dying. 
Red Cross service is free for all. 

These faithful Red Cross workers 
Are helping others bear 
Their trials and their burdens 
In this world of strife and care, 
Giving cheerful, kindly service 
Whenever there is need. 
And going ever forward 
Wherever duty leads. 

In that awful conflict raging 

In that land over the sea. 

After each battle 

Red Cross workers there will be 

On the field of battle working for humanity, 

Giving aid to the wounded and dying soldiers. 



THE BELGIAN CHILDREN 71 

With pity and kindness for all 

Who fall in that awful struggle, 

Who have answered their last bugle call. 

After the smoke of battle, 
These fallen heroes fear 
Death alone on the battle field. 
With only the enemy near. 
When over their failing vision 
There gleams a ray of light. 
And out from the awful darkness 
There shines a Red Cross bright. 

These faithful Red Cross workers. 
With their Red Cross gleaming bright, — 
To the wounded and dying soldiers 
It shines like a star at night. 

May every Red Cross worker 

When called to that home over there. 

For their faithful service to mankind 

Have a crown of light to wear. 

May this crown of light have a Red Cross bright, 

That will shine forevermore! 



